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Singh’s reception out West
Hello, I’m a senior reporter following the NDP campaign.
In Western Canada, the NDP governs in two provinces (B.C. and Manitoba) and is the Official Opposition in the other two (Alberta and Saskatchewan). During federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s first Western swing this week, did we see any laying on of hands from successful provincial New Democrats?
His meeting with Premier David Eby in Victoria on Monday was a late addition to his itinerary. The timestamps on camera footage suggest the meeting lasted about 15 minutes. (In Eby’s defence, it was a hectic day for him, as the legislature debated B.C.’s 11th-hour retreat from carbon pricing ahead of its scheduled April 1 increase.)
At Singh’s next stop in Edmonton Tuesday, Singh spoke with Alberta’s NDP Leader (and former Calgary mayor) Naheed Nenshi, but only on a Zoom call because Nenshi was in Calgary.
The NDP tour skipped over Saskatchewan (which hasn’t elected a New Democrat MP since 2015) and flew onwards to Winnipeg that afternoon. Reporters and cameras were allowed into the foyer of the legislature to watch Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew greet Singh.
Kinew and Singh spoke briefly and, within a minute, the pair disappeared up the side stairs to meet privately.
Provincial leaders have been stingy with their endorsements so far in this unpredictable and volatile campaign — finding it politically safer, perhaps, to stay in their own lanes and pledge to work with whomever voters pick. But if there was ever a race where the federal NDP could use a public endorsement from a popular premier, surely it’s this one, as Singh continues to trail badly in national polls.
Jagmeet Singh, the federal NDP Leader, recently embarked on his first Western swing of the campaign trail. This journey took him to provinces where the NDP holds power and influence, including British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
In British Columbia, Singh had a brief meeting with Premier David Eby in Victoria. Despite the hectic nature of the day, Eby made time to speak with Singh, emphasizing the importance of their discussion. The meeting lasted approximately 15 minutes, providing an opportunity for both leaders to exchange ideas and perspectives.
Moving on to Alberta, Singh connected with NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi through a Zoom call due to scheduling conflicts. Nenshi, a former mayor of Calgary, engaged in a productive conversation with Singh, highlighting the collaborative efforts between federal and provincial NDP representatives.
The tour skipped over Saskatchewan, a province that has not elected a New Democrat MP since 2015, and headed to Winnipeg. In Manitoba, Singh was warmly greeted by Premier Wab Kinew at the legislature. The encounter between Kinew and Singh was brief but meaningful, underscoring the camaraderie between federal and provincial NDP leaders.
Throughout his Western journey, Singh encountered a cautious approach from provincial leaders regarding endorsements. The focus seemed to be on maintaining political neutrality and committing to work with whomever the voters choose. However, in a challenging campaign where Singh trails in national polls, a public endorsement from a popular premier could significantly benefit the federal NDP.
As the campaign progresses, Singh continues to engage with key stakeholders and leaders across the country, seeking support and solidarity in his quest for a stronger NDP presence in the upcoming election.
